Popping bubble wrap helps relax that muscle tension. It reduces stress and anxiety. In fact, studies have shown that, sometimes, the human brain receives feel-good chemicals like dopamine after popping bubble wrap.

Why is popping bubble wrap addictive?

2) it has to do with a very natural, human response to stress. It could be that little nervous motions like finger tapping or foot jiggling — or Bubble Wrap popping! — are ways of releasing that muscle tension, which helps reduce the feeling of stress. “It's compulsive,” Dillon once told the New York Times.

Does popping bubble wrap relieve stress?

Compared to meditation, popping bubble wrap can help you de-stress faster. This is because popping a row of bubbles gives you instant gratification. In fact, a study found that popping bubble wrap for 60 seconds relieved as much stress as a 33-minute massage.